In April, a panel report examined operations at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and recommended increasing the number of MassDOT board members to 11. The board oversees the MBTA and other transportation entities in the state.

Gittlen has been an active member of the IAMAW for almost 30 years. A former mechanic with United Parcel Service (UPS), he coordinates all activities among the IAMAW's five District 15 lodges, including negotiating contracts with major global transportation companies throughout the area, MassDOT officials said.

Gittlen also serves as vice president on the Massachusetts AFL-CIO board.